In the build-up to EICMA 2026, Honda has taken the wraps off a heavily updated Africa Twin 1150 as well as a 2027 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. The company has also showcased the production-spec version of the V3R 900 E-Compressor naked bike, although no specs for that have been announced yet.
- Africa Twin now available in three variants
- Fireblade is now more WSBK-focused in its updates
- V3R 900 E-Compressor has a titanium fuel tank and exhaust system
2027 Honda Africa Twin 1150
Gets comprehensive updates across the range; Enduro Sports joins the line-up
The Africa Twin has grown to an 1150 for 2027 (engine displacement is 1,131cc), and its peak output now stands at 118.9hp and 119Nm of torque. The standard and Adventure Sports variants are now supplemented by an Enduro Sports variant, which prioritises hardcore off-road riding.
New for 2027 on the standard and Adventure Sports are a lighter frame and swingarm, as well as electronically controlled Showa suspension. Honda has also reworked the ergonomics with a wider handlebar and more rear-set foot pegs, along with revised seat padding for ‘increased comfort’. These two variants also have an electrically operated windscreen and keyless ignition and fuel cap as standard now. As before, the standard variant comes with an 18.8-litre fuel tank, whereas the more touring-focused Adventure Sports has a 24.2-litre one.
Wheel sizes have changed for 2027, with the rear now being an 18-incher across all three variants. The standard and Enduro Sports come with a 21-inch front wheel, whereas the Adventure Sports uses a more road-focused 19-inch unit. All three have tubeless tyres courtesy of cross-spoke rims.
The Enduro Sports is basically an Africa Twin for those who want serious off-road capability from their full-size ADV. It has manually adjustable Showa suspension with 240/230mm (F/R) of travel and Metzeler Karoo Street tyres. Consequently, this version has a towering seat height of 870-890mm, and its ground clearance is 260mm. The standard version has an 850-870mm perch, whereas the Adventure Sports has a lower 830-850mm seat height.
All three variants come with a 7-inch TFT dash, six riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Off Road and Off Road+), traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control and cruise control. The display has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built in. It remains to be seen whether Honda brings any of these three to India, given that the company sold this ADV here up until 2022.
2027 Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R
New model prioritises WSBK needs over street use
Honda has also revamped its flagship superbike, the CBR1000RR-R, and as before, it is available in standard and SP versions, with an HRC WE variant now supplementing them. Big Red has stiffened the frame and lightened the aluminium swingarm while endowing it with Brembo Hypure calipers (SP & HRC WE) and larger 330mm dual discs on all variants.
The engine also benefits from both a fatter mid-range and a peakier top-end thanks to variable-length air funnels, as well as magnesium crankcases and aluminium bolts. Peak output stands at a mega 217hp at 14,500rpm and 114Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. While peak power stays the same, torque is boosted by 1Nm and arrives 1,500rpm lower in the rev range.
Honda has also revised the chassis geometry and aero package of the ’Blade with a focus on improved lap times and track performance. All these changes are clearly aimed at improving the company’s rather middle-order performance in the WSBK championship.
The HRC WE version further ups the ante with more customisable geometry adjustment for the steering stem and swingarm pivot point available. It has neutral at the bottom of the gearbox, manually adjustable Ohlins suspension and a single seat unit with a revised aero package.
Production-spec Honda V3R 900 E-Compressor shown
Has titanium bodywork and a single-sided swingarm
Honda’s innovative V3R 900 has now been shown in its final form, albeit without specifications, and the company has confirmed that it has titanium fuel tank, exhaust pipes and muffler, as well as a single-sided swingarm. The engine is a unique 900cc V3 with two cylinders in the front bank and one at the rear, assisted by an electronically controlled turbocharger, which Honda claims helps it have performance akin to a 1,200cc motorcycle.
Suraj Sreekumar
Stephen Raj Antony
Vishal Venugopal
